PBW Server and Client for SE5

[CaptRR]

Order of events, for the little se5 server and client that I made.


Here is the setup:


Server:

Running an ftp server

Running SE5 Server Lite software

FTP maps to C:\SE5PBW\ (i.e when you log into the ftp server it you see the contents of C:\SE5PBW\), this is what I call our working directory. Do not have this the same as your normal SE5 save directory.

A Copy of Space Empires 5 installed, and in good working order (don’t forget patches)




Client

A working copy of space empires 5 installed and in good working order

A copy of SE5 PBW Client Lite software

Have already edited the localsettings.xml file that is in the same directory as the PBW client software

Have a directory call C:\Temp\


Here’s what the System does:

1. Administrator creates a new directory in the C:\SE5PBW\ directory i.e. C:\SE5PBW\MPGame\ . This Directory name will go into <pbwserverdirectory>/MPGame<pbwserverdirectory> in the clients localsettings.xml



2. The Administrator puts the created .gam file into the C:\SE5PBW\MPGame\ Directory. Lets say the filename was call MPGame.gam , you would then place <savegamename>MPGame</savegamename> (notice its without the .gam extension), into the localsettings.xml of the client.


3.The Client, would then start up the PBW client software.

a.Software connects to the server and grabs a copy of gamesettings.xml, that was created by the server automatically. This tells the client when the next turn is. If the servers next turn time is different than what the client has archived, then it means a new turn has posted. If the times are the same, you are presented with a dialog that tells you no new turn.

b.If a new turn has posted it makes the Run Turn button available

c.When the Run Turn Button is pushed, The client downloads the .gam file and any other associated files (combat files, movement, ect).

d.The client the then starts up Space Empires 5.

e.The User must load the downloaded game (I am trying to find a way for this to be automated, but as yet, I have had very little luck), and dial his password.

f.After you have done your turn, press end turn.

g.The Client then uploads the .plr file and disables the run turn button.

i.You must restart the client for it to read the correct turn, sorry this is a bug and it will be fixed.


4. The Server now has the files from all the players (or the time has run out)

a.The Server copies the .plr files and the .gam file to the SE5 savegame directory.

b.SE5 runs the turn via the command line.

c.SE5 Creates a new .gam file, and its associate files

d.These files are moved to the C:\SE5PBW\MPGame\Folder

e.The game gameinfo.xml file Is appended with the time for the next turn.

5.The process starts over again from Step 3 every time there is a turn.

[CaptRR]

Here is a word document order of events, its much more readable.